Besigye has refused to talk with Prisons authorities, says Commissioner General

Uganda Prisons Services has revealed that former presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has ceased communication with prison authorities.

This revelation was made by the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, during his appearance before Parliament’s Human Rights Committee.

Byabashaija explained that unlike in previous detentions, where Besigye would engage openly with prison officials, the former presidential candidate has now chosen to remain silent and avoid speaking with them.

“All the previous times we have had Besigye, he was talking with us comfortably, but not this time. He has decided to keep to himself,” Byabashaija said, pointing out the noticeable change in Besigye's behaviour since his latest arrest.

The issue arose during an ongoing probe into Besigye's welfare, following media reports that the Prisons Service had restricted his access to food, legal representation, and family visits.

Byabashaija dismissed these claims, stating that Besigye had designated three people to bring him food and had never lacked supplies.

He also denied the reports suggesting that Besigye was on a hunger strike, calling them “false” and confirming that no such record exists.

The Commissioner General further explained that Besigye’s decision to refuse communication stems from concerns raised by a close relative regarding his safety.

Byabashaija disclosed that this relative had expressed fears for Besigye’s life, prompting the Prisons Service to alter his security protocols.

"I had close interaction with a close relative who expressed Dr. Besigye’s fears of his life. I therefore changed all security protocols around Dr. Besigye," Byabashaija said.

He added that Besigye’s interactions with authorities were now being conducted via video link for security reasons.

Byabashaija also addressed the controversial issue of Besigye’s solitary confinement, defending the decision as necessary for his safety and to prevent any potential unrest among fellow inmates.

The Prisons Commissioner General explained that the isolation was also meant to prevent Besigye from inciting other prisoners, which he feared could lead to uncontrollable situations.

"The isolation of Dr. Besigye is first, for his safety, but also because he has the capacity to excite the prisoners which might spiral out of control," Byabashaija stated.

This statement has stirred further debate, with the Human Rights Committee continuing to question the treatment of Dr. Besigye, who has long been a vocal critic of the government.

Dr Besigye is facing treachery charges before the General Court Martial in Makindyea and is due to return to the military court for continuation of the controversial hearing on February 3.

He is jointly charged with his associate Obeid Lutale, with whom he was picked up from a Kenyan hotel in Nairobi on November 16, 2024.

The military court earlier this month added an army officer who had been in jail for near two years on the charge sheet to justify the treachery charge against Besigye.

The former presidential candidate has also expressed concerns about his safety, citing unexplained noises late at night, such as the sound of padlocks being opened and closed without any apparent reason.